If you are looking for a way to combine your technological skills with a passion for science and research, then a degree in Computer Science is an excellent first step to a lucrative, challenging career! Throughout the course of your degree program, you will take classes that focus on the scientific aspects of computation to learn the essential skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace
Students that graduate with a Computer Science degree can find employment in a wide range of professional settings. Whether they work for major corporations, governmental agencies, or as a researcher or developer, there is a number of exciting career paths within this growing field.
To give you a better understanding of the many different career options available in the field of Computer Science, we have put together a list of 40 top careers and their respective median annual salaries:
| Job Title | Job Summary |
Median Pay |
| Principal Software Engineer | In charge of the technical aspects of an organization’s projects and oversees development teams. |
$128,153 |
| Senior Software Architect | Responsible for the development of new programs and software for technologically based companies. |
$122,976 |
| Software Architect | Creates customized software solutions for businesses, including web services, coding programs, and databases. |
$118,508 |
| Software Architect, Applications | Designs, experiments with, and presents architectural approaches for software applications. |
$114,782 |
| Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE) | Develops and upgrades computer operating systems and application software for computers and computer networks. |
$124,285 |
| Information Technology (IT) Director | Responsible for managing and directing IT operations for their companies while providing leadership to IT departments. |
$98,553 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Typically works in an office setting and is responsible for writing, modifying, testing, and debugging software for clients. |
$116,227 |
| Lead Software Development Engineer (SDE) | Responsible for leading a company’s efforts to create software that serves various purposes for the organization. |
$109,606 |
| Senior Systems Engineer | Responsible for the day-to-day administration and upkeep of a business’s servers and storage. |
$100,695 |
| Software Development Engineer (SDE) | Works in a range of industries to design, build, and develop their employers’ computer systems and software. |
$123,901 |
| Senior Application Developer | Works with a number of programming languages and codes to provide diverse and innovative content for apps. |
$95,018 |
| Research & Development Engineer, Computer Software | Focuses on designing and creating innovative new software products to meet the changing needs of the industry. |
$107,479 |
| Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | In charge of planning certain types of IT projects within a company and ensuring that they are efficiently executed. |
$89,164 |
| Project Manager, Software Development | Responsible for facilitating development support and supervising the completion of software projects in their organization. |
$89,763 |
| Senior Systems Analyst | In charge of developing, testing, implementing, and analyzing complex systems for their organizations. |
$84,811 |
| Senior Web Developer | Works with designers and content producers to write code for websites, access databases, and test website software. |
$86,116 |
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | Supervises their company’s computer infrastructure and manages teams that handle network technology and IT security for the organization. |
$79,625 |
| Software Engineer | Plays a key role in developing the ways that software functions created by the design team will work. |
$94,241 |
| Business Intelligence (BI) Developer | Data experts that work with organizational databases and manage others in the IT department of a company. |
$88,758 |
| Information Technology (IT) Consultant | Advises business clients on how to best use information technology to effectively meet their business objectives. |
$85,267 |
| Java Developer | Creates complex web-based applications, and is responsible for writing, modifying, and debugging software. |
$83,967 |
| Systems Engineer, IT | Creates computer systems for clients, and develops ways to debug systems with glitches or problems. |
$78,437 |
| Database Administrator (DBA) | Technology professional that ensures that a company’s database software is properly maintained. |
$78,886 |
| Applications Systems Analyst/Programmer | Responsible for analyzing and developing programming logic for software packages used by their organization. |
$74,483 |
| Network Engineer | Works in the business setting to troubleshoot problems related to the company’s network system. |
$76,708 |
| Software Developer | Develops computer applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on computers and electronic devices. |
$82,196 |
| Business Analyst, IT | Focuses on improving technology operations within a company and offers consultation to help a business be more effective. |
$76,397 |
| Business Systems Analyst | Responsible for the analysis, adjustment, and restructuring of different aspects of a business’s information technology department. |
$76,448 |
| Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst | Helps to guide a business’s management staff in improving collaboration within and between departments. |
$77,768 |
| Application Developer | Creates, develops, manages, and maintains new programs and software to help companies keep up with the latest technologies. |
$80,218 |
| .NET Software Developer/Programmer | Writes and modifies code to generate web pages, access databases, and business logic servers. |
$78,512 |
| Systems Analyst | Works with a company to conduct application testing, modify computer procedures, and maintain documentation for technology systems. |
$70,404 |
| Programmer Analyst | Works at various organizations to design, code, and test new computer programs. |
$71,031 |
| Associate Software Engineer | Works to develop software either as a product for use by the public or for a business’s private use. |
$91,873 |
| Computer Programmer | Works in a variety of industries to code computer software and troubleshoot source code for computer programs. |
$70,187 |
| Web Developer | Responsible for building the backbone of websites and working with designers and content producers. |
$66,729 |
| Network Administrator | Responsible for the upkeep of computer hardware and software systems in their organizations. |
$60,945 |
| Data Analyst | Uses data throughout a survey process to gather helpful information for their organization. |
$68,584 |
| Junior Software Engineer | Responsible for designing codes for new software and modifying the current software for their company. |
$73,022 |
| Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist | Generalist position responsible for computer set-up, installation, troubleshooting, service, and maintenance. |
$51,602 |
*Data sourced through Payscale.com
What can you do with a Computer Science Degree?
When it comes to Computer Science degrees, there are many career paths that graduates can choose from in the professional workforce. With a greater focus on the scientific aspects of technology, those who have earned this degree are able to take on specialized roles within a variety of industries. .
As you can see from the information above, those who work in the field of Computer Science have the potential to work their way up to high-level management positions. These opportunities also have the added bonus of average annual salaries that are well over six-figures! While most graduates start their careers in entry-level computer science positions, the great potential for advancement within the field is excellent news for those with sought-after computer science skills.
What is a Computer Science Degree?
A Computer Science degree program gives students an opportunity to delve into the theory behind computer programs and technological applications. Instead of simply learning “how” these systems work, you will be taught to understand the “why” behind advancements in technology. This degree is an excellent choice for those with a scientific mind that have aspirations to help businesses grow and evolve along with the changing technology of society.
There are several Computer Technology degree programs available from top universities around the country – from associate’s degrees up through graduate programs. Throughout your course of study, you will take several advanced technology courses that may cover the following topics:
- Data structures and analysis
- Computer systems and architecture
- In-depth training in a variety of software applications
- Networking
- Software engineering, analysis, and design
Once you have successfully earned your Computer Science degree, you will have the opportunity to take on professional roles within the technology department of businesses across several industries.
If you are a busy adult student that needs flexibility in your college course schedule, then you may want to consider the programs offering online computer science degrees that many universities now offer. These accredited programs provide a quality education for students that are working towards their degree while balancing professional careers and family obligations.
Computer Science Career Outlook
Degrees in technology, such as Computer Science, typically have positive occupational outlooks due to the increasing demand for skilled technology professionals. With this in mind, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that software developers will experience a job growth of 11% by 2029, and web developers will see a 8% increase in this same timeframe. These numbers are well above the national average across all occupations and excellent news for those who are interested in starting a career within the field of Computer Science!
If you are interested in enrolling in a Computer Science degree program, the future is looking bright when it comes to your career potential! With the constantly changing technology, development of mobile applications, and an increasingly competitive business environment, organizations are always on the lookout for computer science professionals that can help them improve the efficiency of their computer systems and networking. For those with a degree in Computer Science, the sky is the limit for working your way towards a lucrative, challenging career!
